Michael Kitchen-Hurle

An ex-Londoner, Michael moved to rural Somerset in the 1950's. He has cultivated a great love of the rural world and has been painting wildlife since the age of 10. He later moved to Warwickshire where he now lives with his wife. Self-taught, he works mainly in acrylic and watercolour as these allow him to work in as much detail as he wishes. Despite this vibrant detail, it is set apart from most of the photo-realists by it's purity and sensitivity, which brings his paintings to life. They have real feeling and depth, commanding the viewer's complete attention, almost allowing them to touch the savage beasts portrayed. His pictures often display a sense of humour at the same time. He credits much of his success to the many hours he dedicates to observing flora and fauna in their natural habitit at all times of the day and night both in England and abroad. Michael has exhibited extensively, primarily in the Home Countries, the Cotswolds and in Central London galleries, although his work has been sold in Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Moscow and Japan. He has been a much respected artist for many years and has seen various limited edition prints after his work. Notably amongst these are those commissioned by the Born Free Foundation (set up to protect and rehabilitate wild animals), which were countersigned by, Virginia McKenna, Joanna Lumley, Bill and Will Travers. Interestingly, Anthea Turner purchased Michael's painting of the two Lions Raffi and Anthea, rescued by the Born Free Foundation. Michael has also produced work for the Royal Agricultural Society, The Scottish Landowners Association, The National Trust, Riding for the Disabled. He has written articles for Artists and Illustrators Magazine and Gallery Now, as well as contributing artwork for books including The Encyclopaedia of Acrylic Techniques and How to Draw Animals. Although Michael has had many years of acclaim, it is only now that he is truly blossoming as an artist, his work having improved enormously in the last few years. Michael puts this partly down to a working trip that he made to Kenya in 1996, which he described as an incredible eye opener. Sally Mitchell herself had seen and admired Michael's work on several occasions in the past but had never been inclined to move into the African Wildlife scene until now. His latest work is quite simply fantastic. Her initial reaction to the work was to publish four limited edition prints after it and to purchase three of the works herself. He is now published exclusively by Sally Mitchell Fine Arts.